A NEW LOOK

The image below is a photo of the exhibit panel. Following it is a transcript of the panel.

Photo of the panel from the exhibit.

New studies of fossil evidence reverse former notions about extinct dinosaurs. They were not stupid or sluggish.

Dinosaurs are well-coordinated, active, and intelligent. Fossil skulls show that extinct dinosaurs had brains as large (relative to body size) as those of modern reptiles. Large brains and bird-like proportions arose in dinosaurs before the origin of modern birds.

Recent analyses of fossilized dinosaur bones and tracks reveal excellent running abilities. Bone studies of extinct dinosaurs and their young suggest that some grew rapidly, much as birds and mammals do today.

Evidence for the "New Look" of Dinosaurs

    Microscopic bone structure, similar to that of modern mammals, indicates rapid growth rate and high metabolism.

    Running speeds up to 25 miles per hour are estimated from fossil trackways of some bipedal dinosaurs.

    Predator/prey ratios of extinct dinosaurs were low, similar to those in modern communities in which large mammals are the dominant predators (and prey).

A "New Look" for Allosaurus (al-o-SOR-us)
For years Allosaurus stood, propped by its tail, in the Academy. That impressive "Godzilla" posture, traditional for museum dinosaur displays, did not portray this meat-eater as the dynamic animal we now know it was. This new stance, modelled after a roadrunner's accurately captures the agility and speed of an Allosaurus in action.

PICTURE CAPTIONS:

  • "Old Look" (inaccurate "Godzilla" posture)
  • "New Look" (accurate and looking good!)